David Hilbert and the Axiomatization of Physics (1898–1918)

From Grundlagen der Geometrie to Grundlagen der Physik

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Mathematics, History, Science, Physics, General Physics
Cover of the book David Hilbert and the Axiomatization of Physics (1898–1918) by L. Corry, Springer Netherlands
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: L. Corry ISBN: 9781402027789
Publisher: Springer Netherlands Publication: June 29, 2013
Imprint: Springer Language: English
Author: L. Corry
ISBN: 9781402027789
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Publication: June 29, 2013
Imprint: Springer
Language: English

David Hilbert (1862-1943) was the most influential mathematician of the early twentieth century and, together with Henri Poincaré, the last mathematical universalist. His main known areas of research and influence were in pure mathematics (algebra, number theory, geometry, integral equations and analysis, logic and foundations), but he was also known to have some interest in physical topics. The latter, however, was traditionally conceived as comprising only sporadic incursions into a scientific domain which was essentially foreign to his mainstream of activity and in which he only made scattered, if important, contributions.

Based on an extensive use of mainly unpublished archival sources, the present book presents a totally fresh and comprehensive picture of Hilbert’s intense, original, well-informed, and highly influential involvement with physics, that spanned his entire career and that constituted a truly main focus of interest in his scientific horizon. His program for axiomatizing physical theories provides the connecting link with his research in more purely mathematical fields, especially geometry, and a unifying point of view from which to understand his physical activities in general. In particular, the now famous dialogue and interaction between Hilbert and Einstein, leading to the formulation in 1915 of the generally covariant field-equations of gravitation, is adequately explored here within the natural context of Hilbert’s overall scientific world-view.

This book will be of interest to historians of physics and of mathematics, to historically-minded physicists and mathematicians, and to philosophers of science.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

David Hilbert (1862-1943) was the most influential mathematician of the early twentieth century and, together with Henri Poincaré, the last mathematical universalist. His main known areas of research and influence were in pure mathematics (algebra, number theory, geometry, integral equations and analysis, logic and foundations), but he was also known to have some interest in physical topics. The latter, however, was traditionally conceived as comprising only sporadic incursions into a scientific domain which was essentially foreign to his mainstream of activity and in which he only made scattered, if important, contributions.

Based on an extensive use of mainly unpublished archival sources, the present book presents a totally fresh and comprehensive picture of Hilbert’s intense, original, well-informed, and highly influential involvement with physics, that spanned his entire career and that constituted a truly main focus of interest in his scientific horizon. His program for axiomatizing physical theories provides the connecting link with his research in more purely mathematical fields, especially geometry, and a unifying point of view from which to understand his physical activities in general. In particular, the now famous dialogue and interaction between Hilbert and Einstein, leading to the formulation in 1915 of the generally covariant field-equations of gravitation, is adequately explored here within the natural context of Hilbert’s overall scientific world-view.

This book will be of interest to historians of physics and of mathematics, to historically-minded physicists and mathematicians, and to philosophers of science.

More books from Springer Netherlands

Cover of the book Computer Aided Seismic and Fire Retrofitting Analysis of Existing High Rise Reinforced Concrete Buildings by L. Corry
Cover of the book Developing Frontier Cities by L. Corry
Cover of the book Climate Change, Climate Science and Economics by L. Corry
Cover of the book Hart's Legal Philosophy by L. Corry
Cover of the book Pharmacological Denervation and Glaucoma by L. Corry
Cover of the book Food Biotechnology—1 by L. Corry
Cover of the book Our Cultural Agony by L. Corry
Cover of the book The Royalists during the Puritan Revolution by L. Corry
Cover of the book Scare Tactics by L. Corry
Cover of the book Hardiness by L. Corry
Cover of the book Model Systems to Study the Excretory Function of Higher Plants by L. Corry
Cover of the book Intuition in Science and Mathematics by L. Corry
Cover of the book The Biochemistry of the Carotenoids by L. Corry
Cover of the book Biomedical Aspects of Histamine by L. Corry
Cover of the book Mapping the Social Consequences of Alcohol Consumption by L. Corry
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy